The sun is important for human survival. It has also been found to make people feel healthier and promote a better mental outlook. For individuals suffering from chronic pain, sunshine can help in relieving the pain. Getting a nice tan also makes people look healthier and younger. But too much exposure to the sun can lead to skin problems like sunburns and the appearance of age spots.  Chronic and unprotected sun exposure can also trigger the development of more serious health conditions like skin cancer in the future.

Sunburn is a temporary damage to the outermost layer of the skin caused by the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Commonly, sunburns lead to redness and mild pain. The reddened skin also hurts when touched. More serious sunburns may call for professional medical attention. If the reddened skin is swelling up and shows blisters, this may mean that nerve endings and the deeper layers of the skin have been damaged. This type of sunburn may feel more painful and may take more time to heal. Sunburns can also come with other health conditions like allergic reactions, heatstroke and vision problems. The long-term effects include higher risk of cold sores, skin cancer, lupus and cataracts. The skin may also show changes like brown spots and premature wrinkling.

For some people, these first-degree burns are automatically treated with medicated ointments bought over-the-counter, but there are all-natural and inexpensive ways of treating sunburn.  Below are the top seven amazing sunburn relievers:

1. Hydrotherapy

   One of the best and most effective ways to relieve sunburns is through hydrotherapy. Taking a short shower and using a towel compress can cool down sunburns and keep them hydrated. The water needs to be lukewarm or cool. Using very warm water can remove the natural oils in the skin. You can try soaking in a bathtub of cool water for a few minutes or putting a cool moist towel on the affected area. Furthermore, drinking lots of water while being exposed to the sun or when having sunburns will keep the body hydrated and prevent the skin from drying out.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

   Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant that is native to Africa. The plant bears elongated green leaves than contains a greenish gel. The gel has been found by different studies to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used as a topical treatment to sunburned skin. Aloe Vera gel is available in health food stores and drug stores. If you have access to an Aloe Vera plant, you can cut off the leaves in half and remove the gel. Use this on the affected areas and let it dry for a few minutes. But avoid using Aloe Vera to treat severe sunburns and deep wounds.

3. Lavender Essential Oil

   When taking a cool bath, it will also be helpful to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to bath water. The oil will help relieve the sunburns and give you an aromatic and soothing bath.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

   You can use apple cider vinegar as an addition to bath water. The mild acidity level of the vinegar will help in treating the inflammation and soothe the pain of sunburns. For a bathtub full of water, use at least 2 to 3 cups of apple cider vinegar and soak in for 10 to 20 minutes. Just rinse with cool to lukewarm water and avoid using soap. But you may use organic, hypoallergenic, scentless and moisturizing soap as long as it doesn't worsen the pain of the sunburns.

5. Baking Soda

   Adding a few cups of baking soda to lukewarm bath water is effective in soothing sunburns. The solution will help hydrate the skin and keep it moist. When taking a bath to soothe sunburns, remember not to use commercial soaps which may make the skin dry and irritate the burns.

6. Eat a balanced diet

   Food therapy and maintaining a healthy diet will help in relieving and preventing sunburns. You can eat them or apply them directly in sunburned skin. A great example is milk. The high fat content of milk helps in relieving sunburns. Moisten a small towel with milk and leave it on the affected area for around 20 minutes. Milk is known to be an effective natural moisturizer. Drinking milk regularly will also keep the skin healthy and more protected against sunburns. Foods rich in vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory nutrients will aid in hastening the healing process of sunburns.

7.  Oatmeal

   There are a few other things in the kitchen which you can also use in relieving sunburns. Oatmeal wash, for example, can be effective in soothing the pain of sunburns. Wrap one to two cups of oatmeal in sheet of cheesecloth and let water run through it while keeping a basin beneath to catch the liquid. Squeeze off the remaining liquid in the oatmeal and use this to soak a compress. Apply the compress on the sunburns and leave it there for a few minutes. Using tea bags can help soothe burnt eyelids. You can also apply yogurt to sunburned skin to treat it and relieve the pain.

   Avoid using any home remedies if you are seeing blisters in your sunburns. Blisters can be an indication of severe damage. Avoid peeling off the skin since this may cause infection and lead to more discomfort. Seek the assistance of a medical professional to help you drain the liquid and advice you of a more appropriate treatment.

   Avoiding sunburns is an easier approach than treating them. The severity of your sunburn will depend on the time of the day you decide to soak under the sun. The sun is stronger between 10 AM to 4 PM. It's better to schedule your sun bathing sessions either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Being near surfaces that reflects that sun's rays like white sand, water and concrete will also increase the risk of getting sunburns. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face and neck will prevent sunburns on the most sensitive areas of the body.

Sources
webmd.com
online.prevention.com
altmedicine.about.com